Amy Mundell was tired of being tired so she put herself through Mama Bootcamp, a program she wants to share with women in Harney County

By  Lauren Brown
Burns Times-Herald

Amy Mundell, Crane mother of four, was tired of depending on soda for energy. “I finally hit that place in my life where I wanted to be healthier,” she said.

This is what led her to trainer Lorri Ann Code and Mama Bootcamp, a 12-week program with weekly workouts, homework, life coaching and nutrition counseling designed to help women lose inches and body fat while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

After spending time in California training with Code this summer, Mundell will be teaching her own Mama Bootcamp session in Crane starting the first week of October.

Getting healthy

Mundell had her fourth child in January. She and her husband, Jeff, now have four children ranging in age from infant to 9 years. Because she was so busy raising a family, her diet consisted of what was convenient. She said there were days that went by without eating any fresh fruit or vegetables.

When she finally decided she wanted to get healthy and model a healthy lifestyle for her kids, she turned to Mama Bootcamp, a program she heard about through friends in California.

She traveled to California for five weeks and immersed herself in the Mama Bootcamp program. “I was working out five days per week,” she said. The program is for people of all fitness levels, so beginners can start out at an easier pace than those who have been working out longer. Mundell started out walking and by the end of her time there, she was jogging two miles. After 10 weeks she had lost 15 pounds and two pant sizes.

In addition to the exercise component of the program, Mundell benefitted from the nutrition and life coaching components as well.

Her healthy eating habits and her exercise regimen have rubbed off on her family. Her kids are reaching for more vegetables and drinking water rather than soda.

“We have to lead by example,” Mundell said. The other day when she was feeling particularly stressed, she loaded her kids up and went to the Crane track, where she ran two miles, while her kids played nearby.

Mama Bootcamp

Mama Bootcamp founder Code believes that a well rounded approach is necessary for people to permanently change bad habits and live healthier lifestyles.

Code has been in the health and fitness industry for 30 years. She has been a personal trainer, led group exercise classes and owned a gym for a while. Over the years she noticed something. “I really saw a need for women to have special focus,” she said. She felt like most of her clients were either focusing on cardiovascular fitness or nutrition.

However, she saw the need to combine life coaching for accountability, nutrition for health and exercise so that women can feel good about their bodies.

“At the gym, once you pay your fee, they don’t care if you show up or not,” Code said. If any of her Mama Bootcamp participants don’t show up for a workout, they receive a phone call from their coach. “I am extremely passionate about helping women live their best lives,” she said.

Mama Bootcamp isn’t just for mothers. It’s for all women, Code noted. “Women are built by nature to be nurturing,” Code said. Women will try to take care of everyone else before taking care of themselves. “You can’t give from an empty cup. Mama Bootcamp is about finding your mojo. And you can’t do that if you’re last on your own list.”

Code said that participants in her program find support in one another.

Crane program

That’s why Mundell is excited to lead a Mama Bootcamp program in Crane. “It’s all positive coaching — trying to build people up,” Mundell said.

She will hold a free week of Friends and Family classes that people can attend to get a feel for what the program is about.

Classes will be held at the Crane small gym behind the elementary school. On Monday, Oct. 4, at 8 a.m. an hour and half class will focus on cardio and strength training. On Wednesday, Oct. 6, at 2 p.m. the hour-long class will focus on strength training. On Friday, Oct. 8, at 9 a.m. another hour and half will again feature cardio and strength training. Mundell said she will get a feel for what days and times are best for participants who want to continue with the program.

“I’m excited to coach and have women to workout with,” Mundell said.

For more information about Mama Bootcamp and program cost, see the website mamabootcamp.com or call Code at 916-300-8576 or 1-877-299-2994 or e-mail lorriann@bodybycode.com.

Council, city manager give nod to Bryan Hutchinson

By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

After taking two weeks to review the applicants’ proposals and evaluations, the Burns City Council voted 3-2 in favor of having City Manager Don Munkers begin negotiations with Bryan Hutchinson for the municipal airport manager position.

Hutchinson is currently the interim manager and received the highest ranking on all three evaluations.

Councilor Linda Johnson said she had a concern if the airport manager was a contract position or a city employee position. Munkers said legal counsel was involved in that discussion, and it is a contract position.

Johnson also had questions about scoring on the evaluation sheets, and if Hutchinson, who has another job, would be able to commit enough time to the airport.

A motion was then made to allow Munkers to begin negotiations with Hutchinson.

Johnson stated again she felt there was some inconsistency with the evaluations, and recommended the council go through an interview process before entering into contract talks.

The vote was taken and passed 3-2, with Dan Hoke, Craig LaFollette and Mayor Len Vohs voting in favor of the motion, Johnson and Bill Renwick voting no.

Councilor Hoke, chair of the cemetery committee, asked the council to authorize five recommendations from the committee, including the development of 1170  cremation graves in the north and south sections of the second addition, cremation graves in the Masons’ grave allotment section if there is a need or desire, cremation graves in the Catholic section, the addition of 109 baby graves and the development of a terrace area for the Racine Memorial.

The motion to approve the recommendations passed by a unanimous vote.

In other business:

• Jim Vinson was in attendance to express concern about two fuel tanks a neighbor had placed on a wooden structure just 30 feet from their residence. Vinson cited a city ordinance regarding nuisances and safety hazards, and felt this situation fell within the boundaries of the ordinance.

The council, city manager and Burns acting Fire Chief  Stuart Yekel agreed the fuel tanks that close to residence did pose a hazard, and that the support structure should be constructed of metal.

The council agreed by consensus to have the city manager visit with Vinson’s neighbor to see if they could come up with a resolution. If not, the city would go to the state fire marshal to have the matter resolved;

• City Manager Munkers reported the airport was completely closed about one and a half weeks before schedule to allow early construction of the runway intersection.

Munkers added that he had been in contact with a candidate for the fire chief position, and the city still had concerns about vandalism at Washington Park and the need for new playground equipment there;

• Matt Davies addressed the early closure of the airport and said the timing of it affected getting one plane out and another in at his business, Williams Aircraft Painting and Auto Body.

The next city council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, at city hall.

By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

The Burns cross country teams hosted the Burns Invitational at Idlewild campground on Tuesday, Sept. 21, and while both Hilander teams were incomplete, those who did compete performed well.

The Hilanders’ Victor Kegley set the pace early and pulled away from the pack in winning the boys race with a time of 20:14. Kegley was Burns’ only entrant in the race.

In the girls race, the Hilanders’ Madison Winn placed second overall with a time of 24:24, Anna Clemens finished third in 24:36 and Alex Sell was 11th in 29:25.

Vale placed first in the girls team standings, and the Vikings’ Kassie Anthony won the race with a time of  24:15. Ontario was second and both Lakeview and Burns teams were incomplete.

Vale also placed first in the boys team standings, Ontario took second and Lakeview was third. Burns was incomplete.

Betty Jean Dixon Harris died at Harney District Hospital on Sept. 26, while being held by her husband of over 50 years.

She was born on Sept. 15, 1936, in Burns to Jess and Ida Dixon.

She attended school in Burns, and later graduated from Milwaukie High School in 1954.

She married Jerry Harris on March 29, 1955, and in 1959, they relocated to Burns, where they raised four children.

She loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and especially camping. Harris  also enjoyed working in her yard.

Harris is survived by her husband, Jerry, of Hines; aunt,  Thelma Buckmeyer of Burns; sister, Beverly of Oregon City; brother, Lloyd of Milwaukie; son, Marty and wife Twila of Grangeville, Idaho; daughter, Connie Tiller and husband Randy of Hines; sons, Randy Harris of Hines and Rick Harris and wife, Michelle of Burns;  seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Harris was preceded in death by her parents and two older brothers.

A memorial service will be held for Harris on Oct. 2  at 3 p.m. at LaFollette’s Chapel in Burns. In lieu of flowers,   contributions in her memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Juanita Gladys Presley, 88, died on Sept. 19 at the Ashley Manor Care Facility in Burns.

She was born on Dec. 25, 1921, in New Plymouth, Idaho, to Andrew Cockrell and Willie Mae (Carpenter) Cockrell, the fourth of sixth children.

Presley’s parents had migrated west from Oklahoma after the birth of their first child. Her father was a section foreman for Union Pacific Railroad, and when Presley was 4 years old, they moved to Crane, where they lived in a train car on a railroad siding until they moved to the newly-built Section House at Lawen. Her family moved back to Crane when she was in the third grade, into another house constructed of railroad cars. Presley’s bedroom was the caboose.

On May 13, 1939, she married Eldon (Cyc) Presley in Payette, Idaho. They settled in Burns where her husband was employed by the Burns Ford Garage. In 1941, the opportunity arose to purchase the Richfield Service Station on Main Street in Burns. Presley’s husband was at first in partnership with Red Wolverton and they started Cyc & Red’s Richfield, but it eventually became just Cyc’s Richfield. While Presley was busy maintaining a home and raising their children, she also became a vital part of the business, especially with the bookkeeping. She continued this role for more than 40 years.

In 1946, Presley and her husband built their own home on East Madison, where they lived the remainder of their lives. Following her husband’s death in 2002, Presley remained in her home with her caregiver, daughter, Sharon Showers. After staying in her own home for 61 years, Presley moved to Ashley Manor Care Facility in November 2007.

Presley was an accomplished cook, and friends and family always received a warm welcome in her home. Many feet were planted under the tables in her dining room, the basement “dancing” room and the backyard picnic area.

Presley was a Worthy Matron in Eastern Star, as well as being involved in an investment club, bridge clubs and being a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She was a gifted writer, writing scripts for Eastern Star, submitting articles to the newspaper and spending hours putting a Crane reunion booklet covering the classes of 1922-1940. She also wrote a short story for “Redbook” magazine titled “Hannah.”

Presley was a good hunter and could bait a fish hook with the best. After her husband’s retirement, they traveled extensively, with destination including Alaska, Hawaii and 16 foreign countries.

Presley is survived by her brother, Robert Cockrell of California; sons, Rod Presley and Denny Presley of Burns; daughters, Sharon Showers of Spring Creek, Nev., and Linda Schmidt of Hines; nine grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Mae Cockrell; husband, Cyc; son, Ronald; brothers, Everett (Rusty), Gerald (Duge) and Clyde (Sonk) Cockrell; sister, Mabel Altnow; grandson, Robby Presley; and great-grandson, Michael Showers.

A funeral service for Presley was held on Friday, Sept. 24, at LaFollette’s Chapel.  A graveside service followed at the Burns Cemetery. A reception followed at the Burns Elks Lodge. Contributions in her memory can be made to the Harney County Senior Center, or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Emogene (Jean) Pratt died of natural causes on Sept. 12 at her home in Burns.

She was born on Oct. 15, 1932, to Wilda and Dewey McBride.

Pratt loved to camp and play games with her children, as well as a large number of friends in the Burns area.

Others will play her favorite games with less enthusiasm now that she is gone.

Pratt is survived by her sisters, Bonnie and husband Dawyne of Portland, and Sarah and husband Henry of Caldwell, Idaho; and children, Jeanie Blake and husband Darrel of Tonopah, Nev., Jeanette Wentz of Minot, N.D., Annette Vincent of Caldwell, Idaho, Mike Roper and wife Stephanie of Parma, Idaho, and Judy Brixey and husband Will of Willow Springs, Mo.

She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

Pratt was preceded in death by her husband, Burt; mother, Wilda McBride; father, Dewey McBride; brothers, Leroy, Pete, Donny and Terry; and granddaughter, Jolene Riley.

A memorial service for Pratt will be held at a later date. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Harney County Hospice, in care of LaFollette’s Chapel, P.O. Box 488, Burns, OR 97720.

Ida Isobel (Baisley) LaDu, 83, died on Sept. 10, in Woodburn.

She was born on Dec. 17, 1926, in Baker City.

In 1944, she married James LaDu. She spent her life working as a mother and homemaker.

LaDu is survived by her sons, Mike and Dennis; daughters, Judy, Joan, Mary, Patty, Jamie and Lanette; brother, Wesley Baisley; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; as well as her son-in-laws and daughter-in-laws.

Contributions in LaDu’s memory may be made to the St. Francis Dining Hall, P.O. Box 12699, Portland, OR 97212-0699.

Harney County Library will host author Melany Tupper on Wednesday, Sept. 29. Tupper will discuss her book, The Sandy Knoll Murder, a true crime historical mystery, beginning at 7 p.m. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing by the author.

Burns Butte Sportsmen’s Club holds Twilight Trap Practice every Wednesday through September. For more information, call Ralph Steelman at 541-573-2099.

Storytime at Harney County Library is held each Wednesday, at 10:30 a.m. Bring the kids for fun, interactive stories and crafts. For more information, call 541-573-6670.

Bring the babies to Lapsit Storytime at Harney County Library, each Wednesday at 10 a.m. Enjoy music, stories, rhymes and fingerplays especially for babies and toddlers.

Burns Elks Lodge, 118 North Broadway, meets each Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Alcoholics Anonymous meets each Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Four Square Church, 74 S. Alvord, Burns.

The Aspens and Harney District Hospital will  sponsor a “Cholesterol Crushers” workshop on Thursday, Sept. 30, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Aspens Conference Room. Learn how you can control cholesterol numbers with diet and lifestyle habits. The workshop will be hosted by Amy Dobson, Harney District Hospital Dietary Supervisor, and Kristen Peila, Aspens Activity Director. For more information, call 541-573-2222.

Teen Late Night at the Harney County Library will be held on Sept. 30, from 7-9 p.m. Students in grades 6-12 are invited to hang out with friends and enjoy music, snacks, games and crafts.

Chamber Music Bell Choir meets each Thursday at 6:30 p.m., at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 393 West A. Street. Bell ringers are being recruited. For information, call Carol Sawyer, 541-573-6886.

Kiwanis Club of Burns-Hines meets for a no-host luncheon each Thursday at Glory Days Pizza, 690 Oregon Ave., at noon.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets each Thursday at Hines City Hall, 101 East Barnes, at noon. Call 541-573-2896.

Narcotics Anonymous meets each Thursday at 7 p.m. at Four Square Church, 74 S. Alvord, Burns.

Oregon Old Time Fiddlers, District 9, meets the first, third and fourth Friday of each month. Call Micky, 541-573-2515, for time and place.

Reading Club meets at the Harney County Library each Friday from 9 to 10 a.m.